Mayawati Slams ‘Opportunist’ Leaders in Veiled Attack on Chandra Shekhar Azad, Defends Akash Anand’s Return
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Monday launched a sharp but indirect attack on Azad Samaj Party leader and newly elected Nagina MP Chandra Shekhar Azad, accusing “opportunist” leaders of attempting to weaken the BSP and disrupt Dalit unity by aligning with the Congress, BJP, and Samajwadi Party.
Without naming Azad directly, Mayawati said certain leaders were working against the interests of the Bahujan community for personal political gain, warning that such alliances would not lead to meaningful change for the people they claim to represent.
At the same time, Mayawati defended her nephew, Akash Anand, whose repeated removals and reinstatements from party leadership have sparked speculation and criticism.
She insisted that Anand is now fully committed to advancing the mission of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and BSP founder Kanshi Ram.
Her comments followed a pointed remark by Chandra Shekhar Azad, who recently said that Mayawati’s reversals regarding Anand reflected a lack of options within the party.
In March, Mayawati had expelled Anand from the BSP, citing his “lack of political maturity,” and also removed his father-in-law, Ashok Sidharth, once a close aide and influential figure in the BSP, accusing him of misguiding Anand. However, last month she reversed her decision, reinstating Anand after he reportedly apologized for his actions.
Addressing the controversy on X (formerly Twitter), Mayawati said, “The ups and downs related to Akash Anand and his appointment as chief national coordinator have made many anxious.
But this is natural, as the BSP remains the only true Ambedkarite party working for Bahujan welfare. It is the party’s tradition to take disciplinary action when needed and to welcome back those who express genuine remorse.”
Azad, who defeated the BSP in its stronghold of Nagina in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, has emerged as a formidable voice among Dalit youth.
During the election, Akash Anand also gained prominence for his fiery campaign speeches, with many seeing him as the BSP’s answer to Azad’s rising popularity.
Speaking at an event on Sunday, Azad appeared to mock the BSP’s decision to bring back Akash Anand, suggesting it reflected internal confusion. While he expressed respect for Mayawati, Azad said he and his party would carry forward the unfinished goals of Kanshi Ram and Ambedkar — goals, he implied, that the BSP has failed to fully achieve.
Responding to such assertions, Mayawati said in her statement, “Those who chase personal ambitions and seek to become MLAs, MPs, or ministers by aligning with parties that have historically oppressed Bahujans cannot bring real progress to the community.”
Mayawati’s remarks signal an intensifying rivalry between the BSP and Chandra Shekhar Azad’s ASP, with both leaders vying to emerge as the true representative of Dalit interests in a rapidly shifting political landscape.
